JP2017177370A - Printing equipment and operation terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience with a mode corresponding to a use scene of a user when an exclusive connection with an operation terminal is made through mutual recognition radio communication.SOLUTION: A control circuit 141 of a portable printer 100 establishes an exclusive connection with one operation terminal 200 through mutual recognition radio communication, controls a plurality of operating mechanisms according to print data received from the operation terminal 200 after the exclusive connection is established to perform printing processing on a printed sheet S, and then selectively executes a sharing mode in which the exclusive connection with the operation terminal 200 which has been established is broken and an occupation mode in which the exclusive connection with the first operation terminal 200 which has been established is not broken, but maintained at predetermined timing after the completion of the printing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus connected to an operation terminal by mutual recognition wireless communication, and an operation terminal used therefor.

  As a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus connected to an operation terminal by mutual recognition wireless communication is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, a printing apparatus and an operation terminal are connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and print data is acquired from the operation terminal. Then, printing processing is performed according to the print data.

JP 2004-289253 A

  By the way, when the printing apparatus and the operation terminal are connected by mutual recognition wireless communication as described above, depending on the communication method and its version, only one operation terminal that is the printing apparatus is excluded from other operation terminals. May be connected exclusively. In this case, after the printing process is finished, the need for how to process the exclusive connection described above varies depending on the usage mode (use scene) of the user.

  For example, when one printing apparatus is shared by many users, when one user finishes using the exclusive connection between the user's operation terminal and the printing apparatus, After that, it is convenient to make it available for other users. On the other hand, when the printing apparatus is used in a form occupied by one user, it is more convenient to continue the communication connection without disconnecting the communication connection every time the printing process is completed as described above. . In the above prior art, such a point is not particularly considered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of improving convenience by a mode corresponding to a user's usage scene when an operation terminal is exclusively connected by mutual recognition wireless communication.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium and a printing unit that performs desired printing on the printing medium, and includes a plurality of units that operate with supplied power. A printing apparatus having an operation mechanism and device communication means for performing mutual recognition wireless communication, and excluding at least one second operation terminal other than one first operation terminal via the mutual recognition wireless communication However, the connection control means for establishing an exclusive connection with the first operation terminal, and after the establishment of the exclusive connection by the connection control means, the plurality of the plurality according to the print data received from the first operation terminal The exclusive connection between the operation control means for controlling the operation mechanism and performing the printing process on the print medium and the first operation terminal established at a predetermined timing after the completion of the printing process is Connection control A mode for selectively executing a first switching mode for disconnecting by a stage and a second switching mode for maintaining the exclusive connection with the established first operation terminal without disconnecting by the connection control means And a control means.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention is connected to the operation terminal by mutual recognition wireless communication and performs desired printing. That is, under the control of the connection control means, an exclusive connection is established with only one operation terminal (first operation terminal) (while excluding other operation terminals), and print data is received from the first operation terminal. To be acquired. Then, according to the print data, the operation control unit controls each operation mechanism such as the conveyance unit and the printing unit, so that the printing process on the print medium is performed.

  Here, in the present invention, after the printing process is finished in this way, the two modes of the first switching mode and the second switching mode are processed as to how the exclusive connection is processed. Is prepared.

  The first switching mode is a mode in which the exclusive connection between the established operation terminal and the printing apparatus as described above is disconnected at an appropriate timing after the completion of the printing process. That is, every time printing processing using print data from one operation terminal is completed, there is no longer an exclusive connection. For example, a single printing apparatus is shared by a plurality of operation terminals and used alternately. , Etc.

  The second switching mode is a mode in which the established exclusive connection is maintained without being disconnected as described above. In other words, after one operation terminal is exclusively connected to the printing apparatus, even if the printing process using the print data from the operation terminal is finished, the exclusive operation is performed (for example, unless the cutting operation is voluntarily performed). Therefore, for example, when one printing apparatus is occupied by only one operation terminal and used for a long time, it is suitable.

  As described above, in the present invention, the optimum mode is executed according to how the user uses one printing apparatus (in other words, how many operating terminals are used). Can be used. Therefore, the user can use the most suitable mode according to the usage scene, so that convenience can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when it connects exclusively with an operation terminal by mutual recognition wireless communication, the convenience can be improved with the mode according to a user's use scene.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of a portable printer. It is a sectional side view by the III-III section in Drawing 2 showing the internal structure of a portable printer. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a portable printer and an operation terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a main communication flow when a print system is instructed to start printing in an occupation mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a main communication flow when a printing system is instructed to start printing in a shared mode. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of a portable printer. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of the portable printer by the modification which sets to shared mode or exclusive mode according to the identification result of an operating terminal (or operating system (OS)). It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operation terminal in the modification which an operation terminal produces | generates cutting request information and transmits to a portable printer. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of a portable printer.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration>
The system configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, the printing system PS includes a plurality of portable printers 100 (printing apparatuses) that can be driven by a battery power source (see FIG. 3 described later), and an operation terminal 200. The portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive information by mutual recognition wireless communication with connection authentication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication and ad hoc communication (hereinafter simply referred to as “Bluetooth communication” as appropriate). . In the present embodiment, this Bluetooth communication uses a method or version in which only one operation terminal 200 can be exclusively connected to one portable printer 100. Therefore, in a state where one operation terminal 200 has established a connection with the portable printer 100, the other operation terminal 200 cannot connect the communication with the portable printer 100.

  The operation terminal 200 is an information terminal such as a PDA (mobile information terminal) or a smartphone (mobile phone having a PDA function) having a function corresponding to the Bluetooth communication. The operation terminal 200 includes a display unit 201 such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 202 including, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a button. In this example, the operation terminal 200 can print desired print data by transmitting a printer code to the portable printer 100 via Bluetooth communication. The printer code is a control code for causing the portable printer 100 to print by designating characters and formats.

<Printer configuration>
The external configuration of the portable printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a portable printer 100 includes a housing 102 that is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. A cover member 103 is openably and closably provided on the upper surface of the housing 102 on the back side in the drawing. During printing, a printing paper S (printed medium: see FIG. 4 described later) is inserted into a gap (not shown) of the cover member 103. In FIG. 2, the side surface located on the front side of the housing 102 corresponds to the back surface portion of the portable printer 100, and the battery chamber cover 104 is detachably provided on the back surface portion. In a state in which the battery chamber cover 104 is removed, a battery storage chamber 105 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) that houses the substantially rod-shaped battery power source 107 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) opens in the rear portion of the housing 102.

  The internal structure of the portable printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, a platen roller 111 (corresponding to a conveying unit and corresponding to an example of an operating mechanism) and a thermal line head 112 (corresponding to a printing unit and corresponding to an example of an operating mechanism) are provided in the housing 102. . The platen roller 111 is rotatably supported inside the housing 102 and is driven to rotate by a driving mechanism (not shown) to convey the printing paper S (see FIG. 4 described later). The thermal line head 112 is installed so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the platen roller 111, and contacts the platen roller 111 with a predetermined pressing force during printing, and performs desired printing on the printing paper S inserted therebetween.

  In a normal case, the printing paper S is inserted into the gap conveyance path with the cover member 103 closed, so that the printing paper S is conveyed by the platen roller 111, and the thermal line head is applied to the printing paper S. The desired printing is performed by 112. In order to remove a paper jam, the cover member 103 is opened. At this time, since the platen roller 111 is released from the thermal line head 112, it is possible to easily pull out the paper.

  The housing 102 includes a top cover 121, an under cover 131, and two side covers (not shown).

<Functional configuration>
The functional configurations of the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a portable printer 100 includes a thermal line head 112 that performs desired printing on a printing paper S, a platen roller 111, a control circuit 141, and a memory 144 such as a RAM or a ROM, An operation unit 143 capable of inputting instructions and information from a user (user), a communication control unit 142 (corresponding to a device communication unit) for controlling the Bluetooth communication performed between the operation terminal 200, and the above A battery power source 107.

  On the other hand, the operation terminal 200 is an information terminal having a Bluetooth communication function as described above. The operation terminal 200 includes a CPU 203, a memory 204 including, for example, a RAM and a ROM, the operation unit 202 that receives user instructions and information, the display unit 201 that displays various information and messages, and a hard disk. A large-capacity storage device 205 that includes various devices and stores various types of information, and a communication control unit 206 (corresponding to a terminal communication unit) that controls transmission / reception of information with the portable printer 100 via wireless communication.

  The CPU 203 performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM, thereby transmitting and receiving various instruction signals and information signals to and from the portable printer 100. Yes.

  The mass storage device 205 (may be the memory 204) stores a program for converting a print command into a printer code and a pairing program for each type of a predetermined format such as a character style and a font. At this time, a PIN code that functions as a confirmation identifier (pass code) for connection authentication that permits the operation of the portable printer 100 is predetermined in the portable printer 100. Only when the portable printer 100 receives a PIN code corresponding to the portable printer 100 from the operation terminal 200 via the Bluetooth communication, the portable printer 100 authenticates the operation terminal 200 as the operation subject (= operation terminal 200). And pairing with the portable printer 100). After the pairing is completed, the operation terminal 200 functions as a “master” (especially a central device in the Bluetooth standard) and also functions as a portable printer 100 “slave” (especially a peripheral device in the Bluetooth standard). Therefore, although a detailed description is omitted, the data packet from the operation terminal 200 to the portable printer 100 can be transmitted at an arbitrary timing, while the transmission of the data packet from the portable printer 100 to the operation terminal 200 is It is executed only by obtaining permission from the operation terminal 200 by a known method and receiving a command from the operation terminal 200.

<Features of the embodiment>
In the system configuration as described above, in the present embodiment, in what form the user uses one portable printer 100 (in other words, how many operation terminals 200 use the portable printer 100) ), A plurality of modes relating to connection / disconnection of the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 are prepared. The details will be described below.

  As described above, the portable printer 100 according to the present embodiment is exclusively connected to the operation terminal 200 by Bluetooth communication and performs desired printing on the printing paper S. That is, under the control of the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100, exclusive connection is established with only one certain operation terminal 200 while excluding other operation terminals 200, and print data is acquired from the operation terminal 200. Is done. Then, according to the print data, the control circuit 141 controls the platen roller 111 and the thermal line head 112, so that the printing process on the printing paper S is performed.

<Shared mode and exclusive mode>
Here, in the present embodiment, after the print processing is finished as described above, the exclusive mode (corresponding to the first switching mode) and the exclusive mode (how to process the exclusive connection described above) are described. For example, the user can select and input one of the two modes by operating the operation unit 143.

<Occupation mode>
The exclusive mode is a mode suitable for a case where, for example, one portable printer 100 is exclusively used by one operation terminal 200 and used for a long time, and the exclusive connection established as described above is It is maintained without being disconnected as in the sharing mode described later. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, after one operation terminal 200A (corresponding to the first operation terminal in this example) is exclusively connected to the portable printer 100, printing is performed from the operation terminal 200A. Even when the data is transmitted (see the broken line arrow) and the printing process with the print data is finished, the exclusive connection is continued (for example, unless an appropriate disconnection operation is voluntarily performed from the operation terminal 200A). .

<Switching to sleep mode>
In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of saving power energy, the portable printer 100 is in a low power consumption state when an appropriate reference time (so-called idle time) has elapsed after completion of the printing process under the control of the control circuit 141. It switches to the so-called sleep state. At this time, although the detailed illustration is omitted, the portable printer 100 of the present embodiment is divided into a print module function part and a communication function module part from the viewpoint of the sleep operation. When the sleep state is entered, the print module function part is completely dormant and does not perform any operation until the sleep module is removed from the sleep state. On the other hand, the communication function module portion transmits an advertisement signal known as the peripheral device at a predetermined interval even when the communication function module portion enters the sleep state. In the sleep state, this advertisement signal is always received by the operation terminal 200A (which functions as the central device). As a result, even when the portable printer 100 is in the sleep state, it is possible to start the portable printer 100 in the sleep state by outputting a known command again from the operation terminal 200A side, and execute data transmission / reception It can be.

  When the exclusive mode is executed, the exclusive connection by Bluetooth is not disconnected even when the idle time has elapsed and the sleep mode is switched to after the print process is completed as described above. It is maintained (in an established state) (see FIG. 5B).

  As described above, since the portable printer 100 maintains the Bluetooth connection state with respect to the operation terminal 200A, as shown in FIG. 5C, the operation terminal 200A again transfers the print data to the portable type at an appropriate timing. It can be easily transmitted to the printer 100 (see broken line arrow).

<Share mode>
On the other hand, the shared mode is a mode suitable when, for example, one portable printer 100 is shared by a plurality of operation terminals 200 and alternately connected and used, and the exclusive mode established as described above is used. The connection is disconnected at an appropriate timing (in this example, when switching to the sleep state) after completion of the printing process. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, one operation terminal 200A (corresponding to the first operation terminal in this state. The operation terminals 200B and 200C correspond to the second operation terminal) is exclusive of the portable printer 100. Are connected to each other, print data is transmitted from the operation terminal 200A (see the broken line arrow), and print processing using the print data is performed. When the printing process is finished (the idle time has elapsed) and the portable printer 100 shifts to the sleep state, the exclusive connection is automatically disconnected together (see FIG. 6B).

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6C, after that, another one operation terminal 200C (corresponding to the first operation terminal in this state. The operation terminals 200A and 200B correspond to the second operation terminal) is carried. The printer 100 is exclusively connected to the printer 100, and print data is transmitted from the operation terminal 200C (see the broken line arrow), so that print processing using the print data can be easily performed.

<Control procedure>
The control contents executed by the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100 in order to realize the above method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flow is started, for example, when the power of the portable printer 100 is turned on.

  First, in step S10, the control circuit 141 initializes a flag F indicating “occupied mode” to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the control circuit 141 activates the entire portable printer 100, and puts each unit of the portable printer 100 including the platen roller 111 and the thermal line head 112 into a standby (standby) state in which a printing operation can be performed.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 20, the control circuit 141 accepts an operation input for mode selection (the shared mode or the exclusive mode) by the user via the operation unit 143.

  In step S25, the control circuit 141 changes the mode related to connection / disconnection between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 according to the result of the operation input received in step S20 to the shared mode or the exclusive mode. Selectively set to either.

  Thereafter, in step S26, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not there is a connection request from the operation terminal 200 via Bluetooth communication. If there is a connection request, the determination in step S26 is satisfied (S26: YES), and the process proceeds to step S35 described later. If there is no connection request, the determination in step S26 is not satisfied (S26: NO), and the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not a predetermined idle time (in this example, 3 minutes, the same applies hereinafter) has passed in the state where there is no connection request in step S26. If three minutes have not elapsed, the determination in step S30 is not satisfied (S30: NO), and the process proceeds to step S26 and the same procedure is repeated. When 3 minutes have elapsed, the determination in step S30 is satisfied (S30: YES), and the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the control circuit 141 switches the entire portable printer 100 from the standby state in step S15 to the sleep state described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the control circuit 141 determines again whether there is a connection request from the operation terminal 200 similar to that in step S26. If there is no connection request, the determination in step S32 is not satisfied (S32: NO), and the loop waits until this determination is satisfied. If there is a connection request, the determination in step S32 is satisfied (S32: YES), and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the control circuit 141 changes from the sleep state in step S31 to a standby (standby) state where the printing operation can be performed again. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not the flag F is “1”. If the flag F = 1, the determination is satisfied (S35: YES), and the routine goes to Step S41 described later. If the flag F remains 0, the determination is not satisfied (S350: NO), and the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, in response to the connection request in step S26 or step S32, the control circuit 141 performs Bluetooth communication with the operation terminal 200 that has made the connection request via the communication control unit 142 by the known method described above. Establish an exclusive connection. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the control circuit 141 determines whether print data has been received from the operation terminal 200 in response to the establishment of the communication connection in step S40. If the print data has not been received, the determination is not satisfied (S41: NO), and the process proceeds to step S50 described later. If the print data is received, the determination is satisfied (S41: YES), and the routine goes to Step S46.

  In step S46, the control circuit 141 starts printing processing of the print data received from the operation terminal 200 in step S41. In other words, the control circuit 141 controls the platen roller 111 to transport the printing paper S, and controls the thermal line head 112 to control the thermal printing head S to the desired printing paper S corresponding to the print data. Form the print.

Thereafter, in step S47, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not the printing process started in step S46 has been completed. If the printing process has not ended, the determination is not satisfied (S47: NO), and the process returns to step S46 and the same procedure is repeated. If the printing process has been completed, the determination is satisfied (S47: YES), the process moves to step S41, and the same procedure is repeated thereafter.

  On the other hand, in step S50 transferred from step S40 or step S47, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not the idle time (3 minutes) has passed without receiving print data in step S41. . If three minutes have not elapsed, the determination in step S50 is not satisfied (S50: NO), and the process proceeds to step S41 and the same procedure is repeated. When 3 minutes have elapsed, the determination in step S50 is satisfied (S50: YES), and the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not the mode set in step S25 (in other words, the mode accepted in step S20) is the sharing mode. If the mode is not the shared mode but the exclusive mode, the determination in step S55 is not satisfied (S55: NO), the process proceeds to step S56, and the control circuit 141 sets the flag F to “1” indicating the exclusive mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S70.

  On the other hand, if it is the sharing mode, the determination in step S55 is satisfied (S55: YES), and the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the control circuit 141 disconnects the Bluetooth communication established with the operation terminal 200 established in step S40 and sets the flag F to F = 0 indicating that it is in the shared mode in step S65. The process proceeds to step S70.

  In step S70, the control circuit 141 switches the entire portable printer 100 to the sleep state described above, as in step S31. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not there is a connection request from the operation terminal 200, as in step S26 and step S32. If there is no connection request, the determination in step S71 is not satisfied (S71: NO), and the loop waits until this determination is satisfied. If there is a connection request, the determination at Step S71 is satisfied (S71: YES), and the routine goes to Step S72.

  In step S72, the control circuit 141 changes from the sleep state in step S70 to a standby (standby) state in which the printing operation can be performed again. Thereafter, the process returns to step S35, and the same procedure is repeated thereafter.

  In the above, the control circuit 141 that executes step S20 functions as a receiving unit described in each claim, and the control circuit 141 that executes step S25 functions as a mode control unit described in each claim, and executes step S40. The control circuit 141 functions as connection control means described in each claim, and the control circuit 141 that executes steps S31 and S70 functions as switching control means described in each claim, and performs control that executes steps S33 and S72. The circuit 141 functions as return control means described in each claim, and the control circuit 141 that executes step S46 functions as operation control means described in each claim.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the optimum mode depends on how the user uses one portable printer 100 (in other words, how many operation terminals 200 are used). Can be used by executing various modes. Therefore, since the user can use the optimum mode according to the usage scene, the convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the portable printer 100 enters the sleep state in the sharing mode, the Bluetooth communication between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 is disconnected. In this way, by performing the connection disconnection after the printing process is no longer performed reliably, the possibility of the disconnection being too early and the need for reconnection to the user is eliminated, and the convenience is reduced. Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the user can select and input which of the two modes, the shared mode or the exclusive mode, is used (see step S20 in FIG. 7). As a result, it is possible to selectively use a mode that reliably reflects the user's intention, and it is possible to improve convenience.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When the mode is automatically selected according to the OS type of the operation terminal In this modification, the control circuit 141 establishes the OS (operation system) of the connected operation terminal 200 after the establishment of the exclusive connection. ) Is identified, and either the shared mode or the exclusive mode is automatically selected and set according to the identification result.

  The control contents executed by the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the flow shown in FIG. 8, Steps S20 and S25 in the flow of FIG. 7 of the present embodiment described above are deleted, and Steps S27, S28, and S29 are included between Steps S26 and S35 of FIG. Newly provided.

  That is, in FIG. 8, in step S <b> 26 similar to FIG. 7, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not there is a connection request from the operation terminal 200 via Bluetooth communication. The determination of S26 is satisfied (S26: YES), and the process proceeds to newly provided step S27.

  In step S27, the control circuit 141 determines whether the OS of the operation terminal 200 (corresponding to the first operation terminal in this case) is iOS (registered trademark; corresponding to a specific operation system). That is, the connection request received in step S26 includes information that can identify the OS of the operation terminal 200 (for example, the type of communication protocol). In this step S27, based on the information, the type of OS of the operation terminal 200 (or the type of the operation terminal 200 itself may be used; the same applies hereinafter). If the OS is not iOS, the determination in step S27 is not satisfied (S27: NO), the process proceeds to step S29, and the control circuit 141 sets a mode related to connection / disconnection between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100. Set to shared mode.

  On the other hand, if the OS is iOS, the determination in step S27 is satisfied (S27: YES), the process proceeds to step S28, and the control circuit 141 relates to connection / disconnection between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100. Set the mode to exclusive mode.

  After step S28 or step S29, the process proceeds to step S35 similar to FIG. 7, and thereafter the same procedure is repeated.

  The procedure other than the above is the same as that in FIG.

  In the above, the control circuit 141 that executes step S27 functions as the identifying means described in each claim, and the control circuit 141 that executes steps S29 and S28 functions as the mode control means described in each claim in this modification. To do.

  The present modification configured as described above has the following effects. That is, depending on the type of OS of the operation terminal 200 (or the type of the operation terminal 200 itself), the exclusive connection is disconnected from the portable printer 100 side as described above, and then the operation terminal 200 is used for reconnection. In some cases (for example, the above-mentioned iOS). This modification corresponds to such a case, and the shared mode or the exclusive mode is selectively executed according to the OS identification result of the operation terminal 200 by the control circuit 141. Specifically, when the OS of the operation terminal 200 is iOS, the exclusive mode is set so as not to disconnect the Bluetooth communication, and when the OS of the operation terminal 200 is other than iOS, the share mode is set. Bluetooth communication can be disconnected. As described above, for the OS type of the operation terminal 200 in which the operation for reconnection becomes complicated as described above, the exclusive mode in which the exclusive connection is not disconnected is automatically executed, User convenience can be improved.

(2) When the operation terminal generates the disconnection request information and transmits it to the portable printer In this modification, the mobile terminal 200 receives the disconnection request information (the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 at the time of transition to the sleep state). Print data (which functions as a command for exclusive mode) to which is added, or normal print data to which the above disconnect request information is not added (as a command for shared mode) Function) is selectively transmitted to the portable printer 100.

  In this modification, the control content executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, first, in step S <b> 105, the CPU 203 accepts an editing operation for print data to be transmitted to the portable printer 100. That is, print data editing is accepted by a user operation on the operation unit 202 of the operation terminal 200.

  Thereafter, in step S120, the CPU 203 accepts the mode selection of the occupancy mode or the sharing mode, for example, by a user operation via the operation unit 202.

  In step S125, the CPU 203 determines whether or not the mode selection accepted in step S120 is the shared mode. When the mode is not the sharing mode, the determination in step S125 is not satisfied (S125: NO), and the process proceeds to step S135 described later. If it is the sharing mode, the determination in step S125 is satisfied (S125: YES), and the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S <b> 130, the CPU 203 generates disconnection request information for requesting the portable printer 100 to disconnect the exclusive connection between the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 when shifting to the sleep state.

  Thereafter, in step S140, the CPU 203 generates print data corresponding to the edited content in step S105, to which the cutting request information generated in step S130 is added. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S145 described later.

  On the other hand, in step S135 shifted from step S125, the CPU 203 generates print data (without the above-described disconnection request information) corresponding to the edited content in step S105. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S145.

  In step S145, the CPU 203 transmits a connection request by Bluetooth communication to the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206 by the known method described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, in response to the connection request in step S145, the CPU 203 determines whether or not the portable printer 100 exclusive connection is established by the portable printer 100 by the known method described above.

  Thereafter, in step S155, the CPU 203 transmits the print data generated in step S135 or the print data with disconnection request information generated in step S140 to the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206. . Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  In the above, the CPU 203 that executes step S130 of FIG. 9 functions as an information generation unit described in each claim, and the CPU 203 that executes step S155 functions as a transmission control unit described in each claim.

  Further, in the present modification, the control contents executed by the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100 corresponding to each procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In the flow shown in FIG. 10, Steps S27, S28 and S29 in the flow of FIG. 8 are deleted, and Steps S42, S43 and S44 are newly added between Steps S41 and S46 of FIG. Provided.

  That is, in FIG. 10, in step S <b> 41 similar to FIG. 8, the control circuit 141 determines whether print data has been received from the operation terminal 200. When the print data is received, the determination is satisfied (S41: YES), and the process proceeds to newly provided step S42.

  In step S42, the control circuit 141 determines whether or not the above-described disconnection request information is added to the print data received from the operation terminal 200 in step S41. When the cutting request information is added to the print data, the determination in step S42 is satisfied (S42: YES), and the process proceeds to step S43. The control circuit 141 connects the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100. Set the mode related to disconnection to shared mode.

  On the other hand, when the cutting request information is not added to the print data, the determination in step S42 is not satisfied (S42: NO), the process proceeds to step S44, and the control circuit 141 determines whether the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 are connected. Set the mode related to connection / disconnection to exclusive mode.

  After step S43 or step S44, the process proceeds to step S46 similar to FIG. 8, and thereafter the same procedure is repeated.

  The processing content of each procedure other than the above is the same as the flow of FIG.

  In the above, the control circuit 141 that executes step S43 and step S44 of FIG. 10 functions as the mode control means described in each claim.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above-described embodiment is obtained. Further, in this modification, it is possible to specify from the operation terminal 200 side whether the portable printer 100 is operated in the shared mode or the exclusive mode. As a result, user convenience can be further improved.

(3) Others In the above, the Bluetooth communication between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 is disconnected when the portable printer 100 enters the sleep state in the shared mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the Bluetooth communication may be disconnected at an appropriate timing before going into the sleep state, for example, when the printing process is completed.

  In the above description, the case where the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 are connected by Bluetooth communication has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even when the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 are connected by mutual recognition wireless communication with appropriate connection authentication other than the above-described Bluetooth such as ad hoc communication, the present invention can be applied in the same manner as described above.

  In the above, the case where the present invention is applied to the portable printer 100 driven by a battery power source as the printing apparatus has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as an example of a printing apparatus, for example, a printer that forms an image or prints characters on a normal printing paper S such as A4, A3, B4, or B5 size, or a printing label that performs desired printing on a printing tape. The present invention may be applied to a print label producing apparatus for producing a print label. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in the figure of FIG. 4 shows an example of a signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.

  In addition, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and add / delete procedures within the scope not departing from the gist and technical idea of the invention. Alternatively, the order may be changed.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

100 Portable printer (printing device)
111 Platen roller (conveying means)
112 Thermal line head (printing means)
141 Control Circuit 142 Communication Control Unit (Device Communication Unit)
200 Operation terminal 203 CPU
S Printing paper (printing medium)

Claims (8)

A plurality of operating mechanisms that operate with supplied power, including a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium, and a printing unit that performs desired printing on the printing medium;
Device communication means for performing mutual recognition wireless communication;
A printing device comprising:
A connection control means for establishing an exclusive connection with the first operation terminal while excluding at least one second operation terminal other than one first operation terminal via the mutual recognition wireless communication;
An operation control means for controlling the plurality of operation mechanisms in accordance with print data received from the first operation terminal after the establishment of the exclusive connection by the connection control means, and for performing a printing process on the print medium; ,
A first switching mode in which the connection control means disconnects the exclusive connection with the established first operation terminal at a predetermined timing after completion of the printing process; and the established first operation terminal. Mode control means for selectively executing a second switching mode for maintaining the exclusive connection with the connection control means without disconnecting,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1.
Switching control means for switching to a predetermined low power consumption state when a predetermined reference time has elapsed after completion of the printing process;
A return control means for returning from the low power consumption state to a standby state capable of executing the printing process based on the print data;
Further comprising
The first switching mode executed by the mode control means is
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, as the predetermined timing, the exclusive connection is disconnected when the reference time elapses after the printing process is completed and the low power consumption state is switched. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
After the establishment of the exclusive connection by the connection control means, further comprising an identification means for identifying the type of the first operating terminal connected or the type of the operating system of the first operating terminal;
The mode control means includes
A printing apparatus that selectively executes one of the first switching mode and the second switching mode in accordance with an identification result by the identification unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
The identification means includes
After establishing the exclusive connection by the connection control means, identify the type of operating system of the connected first operating terminal,
The mode control means includes
When the predetermined specific operating system is identified by the identification means, the second switching mode is executed. When an operating system other than the specific operating system is identified, the first switching mode is set. A printing apparatus that executes the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
And further comprising a receiving means for receiving an operation input for selecting the first switching mode or the second switching mode,
The mode control means includes
One of the first switching mode and the second switching mode is selectively executed in accordance with a reception result by the reception unit. Terminal communication means for performing mutual recognition wireless communication with respect to a printing apparatus that switches to a predetermined low power consumption state when a predetermined reference time has elapsed after completion of a printing process on a printing medium according to print data;
Transmission control means for transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus via the terminal communication means;
An operation terminal equipped with
At a predetermined timing after completion of the printing process, a disconnection request information is generated to request the printing apparatus to disconnect the exclusive connection between the printing apparatus that has been established via the communication unit and the operation terminal. Information generating means for
The transmission control means includes
An operation terminal configured to transmit the print data to which the disconnection request information generated by the information generation unit is added to the printing apparatus via the terminal communication unit. The operation terminal according to claim 6,
The transmission control means includes
An operation terminal that selectively transmits one of the print data to which the cut request information is added and the print data to which the cut request information is not added to the printing apparatus. In the operation terminal according to claim 6 or 7,
The disconnection request information generated by the information generating means is
Information for requesting the printing apparatus to perform processing for disconnecting the exclusive connection when the reference time elapses after the printing apparatus completes the printing process and switches to the low power consumption state as the predetermined timing. The operation terminal characterized by being.

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